Phoenix Suns Show Promise in close Loss to Oklahoma City Thunder
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Phoenix Suns demonstrated their potential as contenders despite falling 128-124 to the Oklahoma City Thunder on friday, November 29, 2024. While the loss stings, the Suns showcased resilience against the league’s top-ranked defense, highlighting areas for growth as they strive for championship contention.
The Thunder’s aggressive defensive style, allowing physicality on drives adn ball-handling, proved a challenge for the Suns. Devin Booker noted, “They do speed you up. They play aggressive. They’ll grab, they’ll hold, but it’s never like when you’re in a shooting position. It’s always on the handle or on your drives when they get away with it.” This physicality contributed to a high turnover rate for Phoenix, with Booker committing five and Keita Bates-Diop and Saben Lee each turning the ball over four times. Oklahoma city capitalized, scoring four points off turnovers in the fourth quarter, a margin that ultimately mirrored the final score.
The Suns are aiming to emulate the Thunder’s defensive freedom, earned through established defensive prowess. Oklahoma City finished last season with the NBA’s No. 1 defensive rating, allowing them to play a more hands-on style without drawing frequent fouls. Phoenix is working towards that level of defensive consistency to gain similar officiating leeway.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with a dominant performance, scoring 36 points and drawing 17 free throw attempts, converting 14. He extended his streak of consecutive 20-plus point games, tying Wilt Chamberlain for second all-time. His ability to score, draw fouls, and convert free throws remains a key component of Oklahoma City’s success.
The Thunder also saw the return of Jalen Williams,who is recovering from a wrist injury,though he was limited to 11 points on 3-of-12 shooting. Despite Williams’ struggles, the team’s reliance on Gilgeous-Alexander remains central to their identity.
The Suns will look to build on this competitive showing as the season progresses, focusing on ball security and defensive consistency to reach their championship aspirations.
